Press Releases
ICYMI: Womack, Boozman Bill to Strengthen Oversight of Veterans’ Care Signed Into Law
Washington,
January 15, 2025
Washington, DC—January 15, 2025…Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Chris Pappas (NH-1), and Dave Joyce (OH-14) are celebrating the passage of their legislation to strengthen oversight and accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans of Affairs (VA). Senator John Boozman (R-AR) crafted the companion legislation in the Senate. The bill was signed by President Biden on January 2, 2025. The VA Office of Inspector General Training Act requires VA employees to complete trainings from the VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) so that staff are fully informed on how to report waste, fraud, and abuse and participate in whistleblower processes and investigations. Congressman Womack said, “I’m grateful the VA OIG Training Act is now the law of the land. VA employees will be fully equipped and prepared to report waste, fraud, and abuse. Adequate oversight and accountability at the VA saves taxpayer dollars and, more importantly, saves veterans’ lives. This legislation works to ensure the tragedies that occurred at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center never happen again.” Senator Boozman said, “It is critical to empower every VA employee with tools to identify and report wrongdoingin orderto enhance the services it provides, help protect the lives under its care and safeguard taxpayer resources. I’m pleased our bill is now law and will help deliver greater transparency and accountability, which we owe the men and women who have served in uniform.” Congresswoman Underwood said, “Making VA stronger and ensuring it provides world-class care and the benefits our veterans deserve is a top priority for me in Congress. The VA OIG Training Act will improve oversight and require VA employees to learn how to report wrongdoing. This bipartisan legislation will promote a culture of integrity and accountability at VA, protecting taxpayer dollars, and improving the care our veterans receive. I am so proud that it is now law.” Congressman Pappas said, “The VA Office of the Inspector General plays a critical role in helping curtail waste, fraud, and abuse at VA, but my office has heard from VA employees in New Hampshire that many VA staff are unaware of the services they provide. The VA OIG Training Act will increase awareness of these services and reassure VA employees that they will be protected if they report wrongdoing to protect both our veterans and taxpayer dollars. I’m pleased that this bipartisan legislation has been signed into law, and I will always work to strengthen services at VA and address the needs of New Hampshire veterans.” Congressman Joyce said, “The men and women who have selflessly served our country in uniform deserve the highest quality of care, but that can only happen if the VA is operating efficiently and being held accountable to the veterans they serve. I am proud to see the VA OIG Training Act officially signed into law to ensure VA employees are reporting wrongdoings correctly so that our nation’s veterans get the care they need.” Details: In 2021, VA Secretary Denis McDonough signed a directive requiring all VA employees complete an OIG training, but this legislation codifies the policy ensuring it cannot be rolled back by future administrations. The VA OIG Training Act makes the requirement permanent. VA’s OIG works to improve the efficiency and integrity of VA operations. The office’s effectiveness depends on the participation of VA employees. Early and accurate reporting by staff can save patients’ lives, ensure veterans receive benefits and services, and recoup billions of dollars. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act will:
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